Exploring the Housing Support Services

Introduced by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) in Victoria in August 2021, the Housing Support Services provides flexible, tailored support arrangements for NDIS participants who may not be eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). Unlike SDA, an Housing Support Services doesn’t cover the cost of housing (such as rent or mortgage payments); instead, it focuses on supporting individuals in their chosen home environment with the living support they need to live as independently as possible.

The Housing Support Services approach empowers participants by allowing them to choose their own support services and preferred living arrangements. This option is ideal for individuals looking for a home environment suited to their unique preferences and lifestyle. For full guidelines, you can view the NDIS Housing Support Services Guidelines here.

How We Help You Secure Your Housing Support Services

STEP 1 - Commencing the Housing Support Services process

If you are considering an Housing Support Services arrangement, to start the Housing Support Services process, the NDIS form Supporting Evidence form – Home and Living located on the NDIS website needs to be completed and lodged with the NDIA. CLICK HERE 

The NDIS will review this completed form and any supporting documentation to identify and determine the appropriate home and living supports that may assist you in pursuing your Housing Support Services arrangement.

Once this has been processed and approved by the NDIA, you will receive Housing Support Services Exploration and Design funding in your NDIA Plan to look into an Housing Support Services arrangement that best suits you.

If you have already received Exploration and Design funding in your NDIA Plan, you can move on to step 2.

Step 2 - Complete the Starting Questions

We have developed a process that helps people interested in an Housing Support Services explore their options, as well as gather the information we need to start the assessment process for an Housing Support Services arrangement. If you would like to start this process, please get in touch.

What Happens Next After Submitting Your Starting Questions

A member of the Hand in Hand Support Coordination Team will contact you to provide further information, outlining the steps involved in exploring and developing your Housing Support Services arrangement. Once this is signed, we will commence the Housing Support Services assessment process with us.

Developing an Housing Support Services Service proposal takes a lot of work. There are no quick turnarounds in developing a Service Proposal to be submitted to the NDIA for consideration and approval. This process typically takes at least 3 months, sometimes more, depending on the circumstances and the information required to develop a Service Proposal. This could also include the time for the NDIA to consider and assess the submitted Service Proposal.

The Two Stages of Developing Your Housing Support Services Arrangement

There are 2 Stages to creating an Housing Support Services arrangement that best suits you.

STAGE 1 - Exploring & Designing 

When this stage is completed, the Service Proposal will be finalised and submitted to the NDIA for consideration and assessment.

STAGE 2 - Supports

Once the Service proposal has been approved by the NDIA this will commence the implementation stage of the Housing Support Services.

What Your Housing Support Services Might Look Like

Your Housing Support Services arrangement can take on various forms, each designed to fit different lifestyles and support needs:

• Host Arrangement: Live with a person or family (Host) who is not related to you, in a safe and supportive home environment. Popular among young adults, especially those transitioning from foster care to independent living.
• Housemates/Co-resident: Share a home with one or more housemates who provide companionship and, in some cases, care.
• Mentors: Work with a small, dedicated team of paid supporters who provide direct and indirect assistance as needed.
• Personal Rental: Reside independently, renting or owning a home, with up to 20 hours of weekly support from care providers.

Explore Your Housing Support Services with Hand in Hand Support Coordination

Looking to live independently with personalised, flexible support? Hand in Hand Support Coordination is here to guide you through every step of the Housing Support Services process. Our experienced team will help you explore, design, and implement an Housing Support Services arrangement that suits your unique needs and lifestyle preferences.

Whether it’s assistance with completing initial forms, navigating the NDIA approval process, or developing a tailored support plan, we ensure you have the guidance and support you need to achieve your independent living goals. From host arrangements to co-residents and mentor support, your Housing Support Services can be shaped to match your vision for living independently.

 Contact us today to start the exploration and design process or learn more about how Hand in Hand Support Coordination can support you in building a home environment that fits your life.